Women Without Borders: A Visual Exhibit of Women’s Lives in Pakistan
Jennifer Hall Lee and Dr. Munazza Yaqoob
Pakistan National Center for the Arts, Islamabad, Pakistan November 2 and 3, 2023
Pasadena City College, Pasadena, California July - August 2024
From the PCC exhibit
The exhibit Women Without Borders: A Visual Study of Women’s Lives in Pakistan is the result of a ten year relationship with Dr. Munazza Yaqoob and the women of the Critical Thinking Forum of the International Islamic University, Islamabad.
In October, 2023 we collaborated on a five-week journey in Pakistan from the mountains of Chitral to the desert of Umerkot and I interviewed women about feminism, patriarchy, the women’s movement, and their ideas for the future. It was an extraordinary experience. My relationships with the women of the IIUI is not only important to me, but it is essential to my understanding of women’s rights here in the United States and globally.
Women have gained rights and power throughout the 20th century and now we are experiencing reversal. Patriarchy lives within us, it survives. I believe that women must challenge restrictive patriarchal norms locally and globally. I am certain we can create powerful networks of women. My friendships with the women of the Critical Thinking Forum at the IIUI remind me that we are connected across our borders. Our friendships strengthen us globally.
Thanks to the Dahlen Family of Pasadena for their support and generosity that enabled the travel to Pakistan in 2023 to create this exhibit. Thank you to Pasadena City College and the United Nations Association, Pasadena for their generous support.
Hina Abidi was instrumental to the depth and richness of this exhibit. The International Islamic University, Islamabad, the Critical Thinking Forum, the women who participated in the interviews and Behbud Crafts all deserve my utmost appreciation for their time, generosity and infinite support.
Jennifer Hall Lee
jenniferhalllee@gmail.com
